Lake County's Kings Ridge community celebrates 13th birthday

CLERMONT -- To toast the 13th birthday of the Kings Ridge community, residents plan to hold a daylong party today. It will be a celebration for residents by residents.

"We will have lots of help from community volunteers," said Judy Labrie, who is chairing the event with Stan Wishnow.

Festivities include a parade, live entertainment, a baking contest and more.

"Since the residents took over ownership of the clubhouse last September, we thought it would be a perfect time to celebrate our birthday," she said.

The party will kick off at 10 a.m. with the parade, which will feature members of Kings Ridge clubs including a motorcyclist group and a car club and the East Ridge High School Band.

All other activities will be in the community's clubhouse, including a residents' arts-and-crafts show.

Music will be performed by Irving Jones on the piano and Ann Reaves on the harp.

Local merchants will judge cookies, cakes and pies made by residents. First-place winners will earn blue ribbons, and cooks placing second will get red ribbons.

"Winners will also have bragging rights on being the best in Kings Ridge, and after judging the treats will go to the grand ballroom for everyone to enjoy," Labrie said.

A fashion show with clothing loaned by Belk will use residents as models. A sports corner presented by the City of Legends retirement community in Clermont will feature memorabilia from residents who are retired sports celebrities.

Members of the community's drama club, choir, singers and dancers will perform in two shows under the direction of Sandra Rodriguez. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit local organizations.

A food court will feature items from local restaurants, including strawberries dipped in chocolate, pulled pork, soups and salads.

The community's photography club will take photos during the party, which is slated to wrap up at 8 p.m.